In a tragic event that has shrouded South Korea in sorrow, a Boeing 737-800 crashed at Muan International Airport, claiming the lives of 179 individuals and leaving only two survivors.
According to the US Sun, This devastating incident, currently under investigation, involved an emergency landing without the deployment of the plane's landing gear, believed to be caused by a bird strike.
The incident unfolded early at 9:03 AM local time when the aircraft, operated by Jeju Air, approached the runway. Initial reports suggest a bird strike could have compromised the plane's right engine and ultimately its landing systems. As the plane neared landing, an apparent failure to deploy landing gear led to a catastrophic "belly landing."
The aircraft skidded across the tarmac and slammed into an adjacent embankment. The impact generated a massive explosion and fireball, which was captured by airport surveillance cameras. This footage became a key piece of evidence, as it showed the moments leading up to and the immediate aftermath of the crash.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, and amidst the chaos, they managed to extract two survivors from the tail section of the aircraft. These individuals are currently receiving medical treatment, and their conditions remain a critical focal point of the ongoing reports.
The recovery of the plane’s black box and cockpit voice recorder has provided investigators with vital data. Analysts and aviation experts from both South Korea and the United States are collaborating closely to decode the sequence of events that led to the tragedy.
A significant question raised by experts concerns the aircraft’s speed and the unavailability of its landing gear at the time of the attempted landing. Gregory Alegi, an aviation historian, pointed out the unusual nature of the situation, questioning, "Why was the plane going so fast? Why were the flaps not open?"
Christian Beckert, a flight systems engineer, remarked on the rarity of landing gear failing to deploy. He noted that even if primary systems fail, there are typically backup systems designed to prevent such catastrophes.
Following the incident, a statement from Jeju Air conveyed deep apologies for the incident, with commitments to support affected families and coordinate with investigators. The airline's response underlines the gravity of the event and its role in the aftermath.
The disaster prompted the South Korean government to declare a seven-day national mourning period. During this time, President Choi Sang-mok made a poignant address, emphasizing the depth of the tragedy and the government's commitment to support the victims' families and thoroughly investigate the incident.
In addition to national mourning and governmental support, international figures have also voiced their sorrow and solidarity. King Charles II expressed his profound sadness and extended prayers to the bereaved, while Sir Keir Starmer of the UK highlighted the diligent work of emergency responders and sent condolences to both Korean and Thai nationals affected.
As the investigation progresses, Julian Bray, an aviation safety consultant, encapsulated the task at hand: "We need to put together the process second-by-second, find out which controls were working - which failed, and only then can you come to a proper conclusion." His statement underscores the complex nature of aviation accidents and the detailed work required to understand such disasters fully.
Amidst the widespread mourning and investigation, the age of the youngest victim, a three-year-old child, has been particularly heart-wrenching for the public. This detail, along with the rapid response of emergency services, the complexities of the crash investigation, and the international condolences, paints a picture of a tragedy that has reverberated around the globe.
The community and families affected by this disaster face a long road to recovery. With the investigation still underway, the world watches, hoping for answers that might prevent future tragedies of this magnitude. As officials work diligently to uncover the specifics of the accident, the broader aviation community remains in suspense, awaiting conclusions that may bring some degree of closure to this devastating event.
